THE STAR, July 22nd, 2002 - WESTPORT, which; launched the Smart Card Security System (SCSS) last week, has already issued 1,000 smart cards and is targeting to give out between 3,000 and- 5,000 cards by September 1st.

The system, which tightens security of cargo terminal, is also gaining acceptance from the port's customers, as they feel the container safety will be heightened.

"I think the implementation very good as it will track movement of containers, making it more secure than old system," said Wakil Penghantaran Bersekutu import-export executive Tony Chia.

Currently, import containers are cleared by forwarding agents and later delivered by hauliers using the 'Gatepass' and other relevant document approved by the respective government agencies.

"With the old system, anyone can collect the 'Gatepass' and because of this, there is the possibility of them forging with the signature.

"Because of this, the probability of containers being stolen is a lot higher with the former system," Chia said.

To prevent anyone from tampering with signatures, the SCSS comes with a built-in database with details of the forwarding companies, agents, haulage companies and truck drivers representing a particular haulier.

All necessary and relevant details both from the company and individual would be illustrated on a master server and verified with a security card that is to be given to that authorized personnel.

Only individuals nominated or authorised by the respective company would be allowed to clear and collect containers from the port for a particular consignee.

To clear and pick up cargo, the forwarders and hauliers must be known through the system by identification with the respective security card.

The system is also able to determine the last person who had handled the containers,which Chia said was helpful as it identified the various parties involved in the cargo chain.

"As SCSS can track who handled the container last, this makes deliveries a lot smooth as we are able to monitor our drivers, and we are ensured that the cargo will be picked up and sent to our customers safely,' he said

As a forwarding agent , we are concerned with the quick delivery and sending of containers to our customers, and if the deliveries goes smoothly and on time without any hassle, we have already saved a lot of time and effort which makes our work a lot smoother," added Chia.

Since the launch, some of Westport's customers have been undergoing a trial run using the SCSS.

The full implementation will be operational from Sept 1st, by which time all of the terminal's current customers will have been issued their smart cards.

"It is good that Westport is holding the trial run for one month, as it will give them time to make sure the system is fool proof," said Chia.

"It is also good for Westport to implement this system as it shows how much information technology has filtered into the ports," he added.

The system is aimed at tightening security within the terminals boundaries while ensuring smooth and uninterrupted flow of container traffic moving through the terminal.

Believed to be the first port in South East Asia to implement the system, the SCSS will scan and verify authenticity throughout the cargo chain before releasing containers.

Customers who lose their smart cards would have to pay a penalty of RM30 for a replacement.

A further security features is that the serial number on the original card which is lost will be recycled, making each card an original and authentic one.